355 Fires?? Disturbing news!!!

Dunno, but just got my 60k engine-out service done at Competizione a few months ago and they found a fuel line with a busted O-ring right on the front of the engine. Not sure what caused it, but it was leaking fuel all over the place. Not sure how I didn't go up in flames, but it's worth taking a look at if you can.

-R

 

I thought it was discussed on FChat before, never seen a picture but I thought it was only certain years. I might be getting the issue confused with the same on the early 360s? Not sure, but I certainly wouldnt mind seeing a picture myself.

James in Denver

 

Only heard of Exhaust manifold frying/warping. Perhaps some issues related in there.

 

Here's the threads I came up with:

This one talks about the fuel rails
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152903&highlight=car+fire

This one is a salvage car on ebay (dead link) but looked similar to fuel rail.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=150499&highlight=car+fire

This one is an fchatters car, looks like ecu/cats? but someone mentions fuel rails.
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=178829&highlight=car+fire

Thats what I found, but no definitative answers (didnt re-read the threads entirely). Where's Rifledriver or DaveHelms?.....

James in Denver

 

I don't know the cause of the fires but I guess relative to the number of cars produced and the occurences one might consider it 'common' or at least a concern. I remember roughly ten years ago the drummer for Aerosmith got badly burned when his ignited but that was while refueling, if that had anything to do with it?

 

Rob - this came up a few years ago I recall hearing about it in a thread. Next time I'm in Autozone I'm picking up an extinguisher. Thanks for the heads up - I had forgotten about this and will be checking this weekend.

 

I remember reading on Fchat that another often unknown problem, is the the large hose clamp that holds the flexy fuel filler hose to the fuel tank in the engine bay. This often come loose, so after a maximum refill the fuel can leaks/spray right over the manifold.

 

See http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135777472&postcount=3

 

The problem only occurs in 1998 and 1999 F1 cars.

All other 355s are immune.

 

The only one I had heard about was one being driven and shifted hard. The motor mounts were old causing the engine to move more than normal and the shock of the shifting took out an oil line which sprayed onto the pavement and onto the engine causing a fire.

 

I saw the result of this on a yellow 355 Spider in San Diego -- guy went to the hospital with burns.

The insurance investigator had the car over at Bobileff's, and the cause was exactly what you said: there's a fuel hose clamp near the firewall that rubbed through the rubber line, causing a leak.

Definitely get this checked.

 

This has been discussed many times. It is a rare event, but any Ferrari catching fire can make national news.
The best thing to do with any car you purchase, is have the VIN run at your local dealer, and have any outstanding recalls taken car of. Heck they are free!

On a 355, one should also have the OBDII plug recall handled as well (attached). With this update, you can then use any OBDII scanner to read the emission codes.

Here is the hose clamp recall:

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FERRARI / F355 1997-1998

Recall Number: 98V058000
Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE CAN WEAR DUE TO INTERFERENCE WITH THE WATER HOSE CLAMP ON THE COOLANT PIPE.
Consequence:
IF THE FUEL LINE FRACTURES, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ROTATE THE INCORRECTLY FITTED WATER HOSE CLAMPS.
Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).


Here is another fuel line related recall:

Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FERRARI / F355 1995-1997

Recall Number: 98V057000
Summary:
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES FITTED WITH SINGLE FUEL PUMPS. THE FUEL INJECTION LINE FITTING CAN FRACTURE IF THE ALUMINUM NUT ATTACHING THE LINES IS TIGHTENED EXCESSIVELY.
Consequence:
IF THE FUEL LINE FRACTURES, FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE IS PRESENT, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE FUEL INJECTION LINES THAT HAVE ALUMINUM NUTS AND REPLACE WITH NEW LINES CONTAINING STEEL ATTACHING NUTS.
Notes:
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT FERRARI AT 1-201-816-2651. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
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There's a thread on the old board from when 2000yellow360's '96 355 went up in flames. It wasn't a huge fire though, think he got it repaired. This was 5 or 6 years ago, but I think it had some detailed info as to what happened.

-R

 

These are the facts, another reason to buy the newest model year...1999!!

 

That has been my understanding as well.............. super clean Giallo 1998 F1 GTB's with challenge grills, black wheels and miles in the low to mid teens.......

 

Happened to my 1997 355ch last year, something was rubbing against the fuel line and caused it to leak quite bably.

 

Ditto, I saw this car and heard the story. Was told it is not common but sometimes can happen. Just check to make sure nothing is chewing through your fuel lines. In the other hand, you could just swap out with braided lines.

 

Really interesting thread. Easy to check the hose and clamp and avoid a disaster. Fchat a really useful resource

 

If you look at them, they appear to be braided lines. The screw on the hose clamp that can rub on the line can still abrade through the ss braiding. Simply make sure the clamp/screw is oriented away from the hose line.

 

Richard knows all about this.... ask him to show you.

We looked at it on my car and it was not a problem.